Eastern Mirror caught up with the talented makeup artiste Annalia Zhimomi picking her brain about the industry and her career.
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Eastern Mirror caught up with the talented makeup artiste Annalia Zhimomi picking her brain about the industry and her career. The Delhi based artist originally hails from Dimapur and whilst studying in London she had her first experience with professional makeup volunteering at fashion shows. Since then her artistry has let her to woke with various brands such as Vogue, Marks & Spencers, KIKO, Innisfree, Ministry of Design to name a few! She is now about to release her own line of luxurious yet affordable make-up brushes and is planning more of her master classes around the globe! Read on to find out where her love of make-up has taken her, her exciting new launch and where her next master class will be held!
EASTERN MIRROR: When did you know a career as a makeup artist was for you and how did you get your start in the industry?
- After completing my masters degree in international management and marketing from the University of Roehampton, London, I traveled back to Delhi and was supposed to prepare for my civil services. Being from a north-east family (typically all northeast families do this) I was pressurised to appear in the civil examinations but I knew deep down in my heart that it was just not me. I feel that makeup is just in me, my love for makeup amd especially being from northeast most of us are creative be it, painting, sketching, stitching, etc. I first got my hands on professional makeup in London when I was participating and volunteering in fashion shows during my short breaks from university, I loved it and it was so much fun. After I came back to India I did appear in the civils but only cleared the first round, and to be frank IAS is a very prestigious job no doubt but I always wanted to do something which I love doing because I believe that if you make your passion your work you will excel in that as you won’t take it as work but as fun and will do your best at all times!
EASTERN MIRROR: What do you love most about makeup?
- I love to see my clients happy and yes not being vain but makeup does boost up confidence in women to some extent! Who doesn’t want to look and feel smarter, confident and groomed! I love to see the transformation in my clients and enhance their beauty and the best part is I get paid for doing what I love and of course I get to travel for free! :)
EASTERN MIRROR: What is the most rewarding thing about being in this industry? -Most rewarding thing would be the appreciation of your talent! If you stand out, your talent is instantly noticed and makeup is just for everyone! Best part is you cannot ignore it, makeup is needed everywhere, from shows, shoots, to news shows, drama, theater, horror movies, everyday etc.
Eastern Mirror: Who does your clientele consist of? What type of events do you cover?
-From doing shoots, fashion shows, makeup reviews with brands like KIKO, INNISFREE, vogue, Marks & Spencer, Mercedez Benz, Redbull, Ministry of Design, etc., to doing makeup for some of the most power families in different states like Assam (Bhagya Kalita’s daughter Samaira Kalitas wedding), Kerela (PC Thahir’s son Aghin Thahir’s wedding), to doing the makeup for Mr. Pradeep Madhok’s wife on their extravagant 25th wedding anniversary and of course various families in Nagaland.
EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other industry professionals?
-I believe in less is more! The idea is to apply all the products but to make it appear like its natural beauty >>>hhahhhahaha I love contouring faces (especially nose and cheeks! My signature look is a flawless contoured face and nose with lots of mascara (and false eyelash to make your eyes look bigger ) and eyebrows are a must!!!!
EASTERN MIRROR: What is a common mistake that people here in Nagaland make when it comes to make up? What advice would you like to pass on to makeup newbies?
-The most common mistakes I have seen people here in Nagaland (the mass) commit s red /dark lipstick with really dark eyebrows (not brushed or combed) or no eyebrows at all and thick kajal (black kohl). This can just kill the entire look! Like I said less is more the idea is to look like you have not applied much and look flawlessly natural >>lol. Kajal is a big no no for northeast people, ditch it and use mascara. Kajal makes your eyes look smaller.
EASTERN MIRROR: What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s collection?
- Highly pigmented concealer, bb creme or a foundation, mascara , favourite lipstick (use it as your blush as well, highlighter and brow kit.
Eastern Mirror: Could you tell us about a bit your soon to be released makeup brush line, which brush is your favourite?
- I’m soooooo excited about it!!! It took me about 11 months to finally get the final plan. So the idea behind my brushes is the tool to apply makeup must be of the best quality if not no matter how good your products are it wont look nice! Key to makeup is blending! And yes I kept the mass in mind and everybody’s budget in mind! I understand that not everyone cannot afford to buy expensive brushes (eg- one blending brush in MAC costs around 2800 INR) so to cater to everyone’s needs I tried to work on a budget which will suit everyone’s needs without compromising on the quality! I’m telling you guys, its super luxurious with an awesome brush bag! I’m so excited for its launch!
Eastern Mirror: You’ve held a number of makeup events/classes in Delhi, Nepal, etc., could you tell our readers when and where your next master class is going to be held?
- Since my base is Delhi I keep holding master class sessions here time to time, but besides that the next master class will be this winter in my very own hometown DIMAPUR!